Iran’s Ballistic Missile Arsenal: Ranges, Regional Reach and Recent Strategic Moves

Tehran’s ballistic missile program remains a pivotal element of its defense and regional posture, with a wide range of systems capable of striking targets across the Middle East and beyond, according to recent military assessments and reporting by international agencies.
‎
‎Iran’s medium- and long-range ballistic missiles include models such as the Khorramshahr (also called Kheibar) and Sejjil. The Khorramshahr-4 is officially described as having an operational range of around 2,000 kilometers, able to carry a heavy warhead and positioned as a core component of Iran’s deterrent strategy. Analysts suggest that with lighter payloads its effective reach might extend beyond that level, potentially up to 3,000–4,000 kilometers, although Tehran publicly maintains lower range figures.
‎
‎The Sejjil series, a solid-fuel, two-stage missile, is also regarded as one of Iran’s most advanced conventional ballistic weapons. Military observers note it has a range around 2,000 to 2,500 kilometers and has been featured in recent Iranian operations, underlining both its strategic utility and potential to strike deep into regional territory.
‎
‎In addition to these heavier systems, Iran’s arsenal includes numerous other missiles with shorter ranges. These include variants of the Fateh and Zulfiqar families of short-range ballistic missiles (SRBMs) and medium-range models like Emad, Ghadr and Shahab-3, spanning hundreds to over a thousand kilometers. These weapons are reportedly stored in hardened underground facilities across the country, sometimes called “missile cities,” which aim to protect and rapidly deploy its stockpile if needed.
‎
‎Recent developments indicate Tehran continues to preserve and modernize its missile forces amid regional tensions involving Israel, the United States, and Gulf states. Iranian officials assert the arsenal serves defensive deterrence rather than offensive aggression, though critics in Washington and allied capitals remain wary of its range and accuracy enhancements. Reports of higher-speed missiles capable of challenging missile defense systems have added to those concerns.
‎
‎The debate over the program’s scale and direction continues as diplomatic engagements unfold simultaneously with military posturing. Observers say the wide array of ballistic missiles, ranging from short-range tactical systems to longer-range strategic assets, keeps Iran centrally relevant in any regional security discussion.
‎
‎Key highlights:
‎• Khorramshahr-4 (Kheibar): ~2,000 km range with heavy warhead.
‎• Sejjil missiles: ~2,000–2,500 km range, solid fuel, rapid launch capability.
‎• Other ballistic systems include SRBMs and MRBMs like Fateh and Zulfiqar.
‎• Missiles are stored in secure underground facilities.
‎• Iran frames the program as defensive, while regional actors remain concerned over its strategic implications.